Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Day 4: Conquering Spry Canyon: A Day of Thrills, Challenges, and Stunning Zion Vistas

Spry Canyon: A Hidden Gem of Zion National Park

Spry Canyon is a thrilling technical canyoneering route in Zion National Park that stands out for its unique blend of stunning scenery and diverse challenges. Unlike many other canyoneering routes in the park, Spry Canyon offers a less-traveled path, allowing for a more intimate experience with the landscape. The canyon features a mix of rappels, downclimbs, and narrow slot sections that make it perfect for those seeking both adventure and breathtaking views. With its winding passageways, impressive rock formations, and a rich ecosystem, Spry Canyon provides a unique perspective on Zion’s rugged beauty. Tucked between the East Temple and the Twin Brothers, this large drainage area begins in the Upper East Canyon beneath Deertrap Mountain and descends into Lower Pine Creek. Its mouth can be spotted from the switchbacks leading to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, nestled between the East Temple and Mount Spry.

The Approach Hike: A Journey Through the Landscape

We began our journey at Upper Pine Creek, where wide, sandy stretches alternated with fascinating slickrock shelves, making for a pleasant hike. Eventually, it was time to leave the wash and scramble up and out of the canyon, navigating Class 2-3 obstacles as we ascended into a large slickrock bowl. Along the way, we tried, unsuccessfully, to spot some petroglyphs—though Bill gave it his best shot.

From the saddle, we descended on the other side, scrambling past any obstacles we encountered. We briefly explored a side canyon before heading back to a pleasant, sandy wash, where the canyon started to take on a more defined shape. The scenery changed dramatically—desert scrub giving way to softer trees, their leaves shifting in color along the watercourse. We were lucky enough to witness a mom and baby Bighorn sheep gracefully climbing the rock walls.

And then, the fun began…

The Upper Technical Section: An Adventure Through Narrow Slots

The upper technical section of Spry Canyon is where the true adventure lies, with a series of rappels, downclimbs, and narrow slot features that make canyoneering in Zion such an unforgettable experience. The section began with several short rappels that gradually increased in difficulty, with about four in total. Each rappel brought us deeper into the winding slots, and soon we were navigating boulders and wading through water pools. We were fortunate that the water levels didn’t require us to wear wetsuits.

The canyon opened up to reveal stunning sandstone formations, providing a dramatic setting for the first big rappel down a dark, water-streaked slope. The towering sandstone walls and unique rock formations created an incredible backdrop—Zion’s beauty encapsulated in every twist and turn.

The Lower Technical Section: Scenic and Challenging Descents

The lower technical section of Spry Canyon offered a new set of challenges and rewards. This section began with moderate rappels that continued to increase in length, and we found ourselves facing about seven rappels in total, some of which involved thrilling free-hanging descents. The narrow passages were both technically demanding and visually mesmerizing, with the canyon walls rising high above us, creating a secluded, awe-inspiring environment.

We scrambled over boulders, waded through pools of water, and admired the tiny frogs that call the canyon home. The natural beauty of the sandstone formations, combined with the interplay of light and shadow, made this section as rewarding for the eyes as it was challenging for the body. The final rappel before exiting the canyon was the “Lamb’s Tongue”—a 100-foot descent, with the lower half being a free rappel. It was an exciting, scenic way to end the technical part of the adventure.

Hiking Out in the Dark: A Group Effort

After our last rappel, we reached the cliffs overlooking Lower Pine Creek just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Darkness quickly fell, and we pulled out our headlamps, lighting the way as we navigated the steep descent. I couldn’t help but wonder if drivers along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway could see our lights flickering in the distance.

Navigating our way over the rocky shelves, and through and under boulders, in the dark was a true team effort. Fatigue was beginning to set in, but we kept our spirits high, moving carefully and patiently until we reached the creek. From there, we followed the creek—a route that felt much longer in the darkness—until we finally reached the trailhead, where our shuttle vehicle awaited. We celebrated our accomplishment with high fives and cold Gatorade, thanks to Robin and Shara!

A Return to Pine Creek: Rest and Reflection

A couple of days later, we returned to Pine Creek in the daylight. It was a completely different experience—relaxed, serene, and restorative. We found a swimming hole to cool off in, listened to the water dripping from the canyon walls, and even spotted a friendly bird who paused to pose for a photo while foraging for food.

Reflection: Embracing Adventure and Connection

As I look back on our exhilarating day in Spry Canyon, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. The challenges we faced—navigating the technical rappels, scrambling over boulders, and wading through pools of water—were all part of an incredible journey that pushed us beyond our limits. Each moment was an opportunity to connect not just with the breathtaking landscape around us but also with my companions. The teamwork and camaraderie we shared throughout the day made every challenge more manageable and every success more fulfilling.

In the serene moments of our hike back, surrounded by the shadows of the towering cliffs and the sound of the creek, I was reminded of the beauty of the natural world. It’s in these rugged terrains, where we are stripped of our daily distractions, that we truly discover our resilience and capacity for joy.

This adventure in Spry Canyon served as a powerful reminder of why I love canyoneering and exploring the outdoors. It’s about embracing the unknown, conquering fears, and finding beauty in both the challenges and the triumphs. I can’t wait to return to Zion and continue discovering its hidden gems, knowing that every hike holds the promise of new adventures and unforgettable memories.

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